User:Matthew-Christian Garcia/Punctuated equilibrium in social theory

Punctuated Equilibrium in Environmental Policy
The equilibrium in the word punctuated equilibrium refers to the period of small incremental policy changes. The equilibrium phase usually happens before and after a period of punctuation and lasts for a long time with a framework of a stable organization. Equilibrium policy is more common as it is set and creates a roadblock for change. An example of an equilibrium in policy is the period between 1973 and 1989 of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. This period included incremental policy changes such as certain laws were passed such as the 1972 Clean Water Act and the 1974 Deepwater Port Act. During this time period, focus was on whether which state laws could coexist with federal laws and attempts for marine oil pollution reform. These proposed reforms met heavy resistance from oil and shipping industries. In 1987, a tanker by the name of Glacier Bay spilled an estimated 150,000 gallons of oil but it could have been as much as 207,000 gallons in the waters of Cook Inlet, Alaska. This spill failed to generate any sort of reform movement as the phase of equilibrium continued until the disaster of 1989.

In the word punctuated equilibrium, the word punctuated is characterized by abrupt changes in policy. These abrupt changes are due to changing in government as well as a shift in public opinion. A period of punctuation is a sudden reform of policy which follows a long period of equilibrium. The punctuation phase is the most difficult phase to accomplish because a policy is set and it required a total reform. A punctuation phase can occur sporadically with national attention such as the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. 11 million gallons of oil spilled which covered the span of 1,300 miles of coastline. At the time it was the largest U.S. oil spill in U.S. waters. This prompted a punctuation which was a swift and quick reform due to the public outcry and severity of the situation. The political and media attention influenced stronger regulations as nearly all the newspapers following the spill has a positive outlook on stronger regulations. The following year, George H. W. Bush signed the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 which established standard operation procedures, financial liability, a way to measure damage, and proper cleanup.